Quote:
Originally Posted by keithyota
I ordered a set of KYB's off rockauto, have not installed them and wondering if I'm going to be disappointed and should get the Bilstein 5100 or other.
Just got 07 4runner limited 4wd and had a "new suspension". However, it is monroe quickstrut and it floats all over the road and seems too soft like an old Buick. It doesn't hold a line so well on the road and seems to float around.
Talking with toyota parts contact they suggested KYB would best return it to factory handling, barring replacing the expensive Toyota system...which was $4000. So I got some KYB Excel-G and Strut Plus (quick strut).
I'm reading this site more and sounds like will still ride soft.
Any experiences with Excel-G struts and given I don't want the truck to float so much, would I be better off with the Bilstein 5100 or something else?
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So the first thing to understand, the stock Toyota suspension is very floaty. I would actually argue that especially in the 5th gens, the shocks are under damped for the weight of the vehicle. Its 75% of the reason my wife and I did not buy a 5th gen. That and it kind of handled like a pig (worse than a 4th gen). Point is, restoring "factory handling" depending on what you are used to may not be the best option.
Bilsteins, at least the higher end ones, have a reputation as an offroad shock. They work amazingly well offroad, but some people feel like they are too stiff on road. If you want the super stiff ride on road though, they are probably a great option.
I can't speak to the KYB Excel-G, though generally speaking KYB makes good suspension parts. Do you know if the Excel-G is a monotube? It is not surprising that Monroe quickstrut is not a nice feel. KYB should be better than Monroe, as a very general statement.
However, if you feel like it's wandering all over the road, that is probably not shocks. I would get your alignment checked, as that is usually a sign of a bad alignment.
If you are thinking you want to go Bilstein, I would also look at Dobinsons and Eibach. Dobinsons has a ton of options, and Crikey Mike here on the forum will get you setup with exactly the feel you want. The Eibach is a US made Bilstein copy with progressive valving, which generally speaking gives a better ride on road without ruining the ride off road.